Electricians are in high demand all across Australia – from busy cities to remote mining sites. They’re such an important part of our workforce that we’re left wondering – is there enough of them to go around?
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the different types of electricians, what kind of electricians earn the most and how much the demand for electricians in this industry. We’ll explore the trends, the complexities, and the details that make electricians so essential to modern society.
Electricians are skilled professionals who work with electrical systems, wiring, and related equipment. They play a crucial role in ensuring that buildings, homes, and various electrical devices function safely and efficiently. When it comes to the types of electricians, we can categorize them into several main groups:
Residential Electricians: These electricians specialize in working on electrical systems in homes and apartments. They are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring, outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, and appliances in residential buildings. Residential electricians ensure that homes have safe and reliable electrical systems to power daily activities.- Commercial Electricians: Commercial electricians focus on electrical work in commercial and industrial settings such as offices, retail stores, factories, and warehouses. Their work may involve installing and maintaining electrical systems for lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), machinery, and other commercial equipment. They need to understand the specific electrical requirements and regulations for commercial buildings.
- Industrial Electricians: Industrial electricians specialize in working with electrical systems in industrial facilities like manufacturing plants, refineries, and power plants. Their tasks often include installing, troubleshooting, and repairing complex machinery, control systems, and electrical infrastructure. Industrial electricians must have a deep understanding of industrial equipment and safety protocols.
- Maintenance Electricians: Maintenance electricians are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. They conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential issues before they escalate, ensuring the continuous operation of electrical systems.
- Construction Electricians: Construction electricians work on electrical installations during the construction of new buildings, homes, or renovation projects. They collaborate closely with other construction professionals to plan and install wiring, electrical fixtures, and systems according to blueprints and building codes. Construction electricians must possess strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Master Electricians: A master electrician is an experienced professional who has obtained a state license or certification to perform electrical work independently. They have comprehensive knowledge of electrical codes, regulations, and safety standards. Master electricians may specialize in specific areas such as residential, commercial, or industrial electrical work.
- Journeyman Electricians: Journeyman electricians have completed their apprenticeship training and acquired a journeyman license, allowing them to work independently under the supervision of a master electrician. They have practical experience and technical skills in electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance.
- Apprentice Electricians: Apprentice electricians are individuals who are undergoing formal training and education to become qualified electricians. They work under the supervision of experienced electricians to gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in the field. Apprenticeships typically last several years and involve a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
To sum it up, electricians are the ones who handle all sorts of electrical work. From homes and offices to factories and plants, they are like superheroes who ensure that everything is safe, functional, and efficient. Whether it’s wiring a new house, maintaining large machines, or fixing electrical problems, electricians are the go-to professionals in our modern world.
A master electrician is one of the top earners among electricians. On average, they make about $160,000 annually, but this can go up to $180,000 or more, especially in certain industries. Master electricians handle highly complex systems, often providing specialized services for large-scale projects and buildings.
Becoming a master electrician requires extensive training. You’ll need four years of apprenticeship, plus an additional three years of industry experience, and membership in organizations like the Master Electricians Australia (MEA). The rigorous training and qualifications needed for this position are reflected in their higher pay.
When it comes to which type of electrician makes the most money, industrial electricians generally come out on top. They work in industries like mining, energy, oil, and construction, earning between $110,000 and over $160,000 annually. Their work is specialized and often involves significant responsibilities on industrial sites.
Other high-paying electrician roles include substation electricians and those in engineering. Master electricians also earn well due to their work with complex electrical systems. On the other hand, commercial and residential electricians tend to earn less, averaging around $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
As for which country pays electricians the best, Australia is known for its high salaries in this field. Electricians there earn an average of around $80,000 annually. Japan is another top-paying country, with electricians in cities like Tokyo and Osaka making around $88,000 on average. Comparatively, electricians in the US earn about $75,000, and in the UK, the average salary is $70,000.
Within Australia, Western Australia offers the highest pay for master electricians, with cities like Perth, Welshpool, and Henderson being particularly lucrative. Northern Territory, Victoria, and New South Wales also pay well. The Eastern states may offer slightly lower salaries, but big cities like Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney still provide top rates due to high demand and living costs.
Are electricians in short supply in Australia?
In short, yes. Electricians across the country are overwhelmed with work. The reasons for this are plentiful and have been building up over time. The primary factors are the retirement of an ageing workforce (many baby boomers are reaching retirement age or beyond) and a lack of new tradespeople entering the field.
According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2022, nearly 80% of businesses in Australia struggle to find enough applicants to fill their vacant positions.
Moreover, in the trade services sector, job applications have decreased by more than half from 2019 to mid-2022. While it may seem like a problem exacerbated by COVID-19, these issues existed well before the pandemic.
A significant contributing factor to this shortage has been the societal emphasis on pursuing higher education rather than vocational trades. Many young individuals are opting for white-collar careers such as law, marketing, or business, steering away from hands-on trades.
Furthermore, the emergence of new sectors within the electrical industry, such as renewable energies and evolving technologies in construction, coupled with population growth in urban areas like Perth, has intensified the shortage of electrical workers.
The increasing demand for electricians
Electricity permeates every aspect of our lives. While this may seem obvious, the significance of electricians becomes apparent when we consider that nearly every modern device relies on electricity in some form.
Moreover, the importance of electricians is only growing. Whether it’s a basic light switch or intricate automation systems in mining sites, electricians are vital for the installation, operation, and maintenance of these systems.
Jobs and Skills Australia (before: Australian Government’s Labor Market Insights) predicts a 10% growth in the electrical industry over the coming years.
This growth is driven by various industries, including construction, renewable energy (such as solar and wind), emerging technologies like hydrogen, as well as manufacturing, mining, and utilities. As the world increasingly shifts towards renewable energy sources and smart automation, the demand for electricians will continue to soar.
Benefits of becoming an electrician in Australia
Let’s face it, we all work to earn a living. Compensation is a significant motivating factor for getting out of bed and heading to work each day, and it’s one of the compelling reasons to consider a career as an electrician. Across Australia, the median pay for various occupations hovers around $1,600 weekly.
However, for electricians, it’s a bit more lucrative, with an average of just over $2,100 per week. If you find yourself in the mining sector on a FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) basis or working underground, that figure shoots up to an impressive average of over $3,000 per week. That’s certainly nothing to sneeze at!
Moreover, there are numerous other perks to becoming an electrician, including job security. With the ongoing shortage of skilled electricians and the ever-growing demand for their services, you’re likely to find yourself consistently employed, regardless of economic fluctuations. Additionally, the skills and licenses you acquire as an electrician are highly portable, allowing you to work virtually anywhere.
Furthermore, the job offers unparalleled flexibility. If you choose to work FIFO, you may enjoy a schedule of one week on and one week off, providing ample time to relax on the beach or catch up with friends. Running your own electrical business grants you the freedom to set your own working hours, select your clients, and choose the projects you wish to undertake. Not to mention, you’ll even have weekends to yourself!
In summary, pursuing a career as an electrician offers a combination of excellent pay, job security, and unparalleled flexibility in work hours, providing you with more time to enjoy your life outside of work. What’s not to love about that?
